Today’s Gospel contains one of the most beautiful manifestations of our Lord. His manifestations (called “epiphanies”) are special appearances which show God’s presence and love to His people. The wedding feast at Cana which Jesus attended was His first miracle, and that is why it is called a manifestation of God. We celebrate these when we recite the rosary, e.g.: The Baptism of the Lord when the voice of God came down from heaven; the Transfigurations when Jesus’ garments shone with the brightness of God’s love; just to give a few. Now it is the wedding feast at Cana. Jesus takes the water and turns it into the most delicious wine, sparing the newlywed couple of embarrassment because the wine ran out at their reception. But we must remember that St. John who wrote this Gospel is always writing at two levels: the concrete visible, and the deeply spiritual. The concrete visible meaning of the miracle is that God can change anything in nature to fit His purposes. He does miracles every day like healing people’s illnesses and bringing those in conflict back together in peace. The deeper spiritual meaning of the changing of water into wine, is that God can empower our simple actions of love to become great manifestations of His power! Sometimes we don’t even know how that happens. Just as Jesus changed 6 large vessels of water into 30 gallons of delicious wine, we too at Blessed Sacrament have been empowered by God to multiply His miracles by our good works. You will be happy to know that in 2024 our parish food pantry served 183,642 meals to those in need! That doesn’t even include how many were served through our homeless ministry too. Isn’t it like God changing water into wine all over again! So, we should never underestimate our good works. Both individually and as a parish. Several years ago, I visited Cana in Galilee while on a pilgrimage. There was a store that sold Cana wine that was blessed, right at the spot where Jesus and His mother attended the wedding. I brought some home to my sisters who were delighted to receive such a precious gift. Let’s remember when we offer our love in small ways, we are participating in this same manifestation of Jesus’ love.     ~ Fr. John